Young Immigrant Marine, Killed in Afghanistan, Laid to Rest

Osbrany Montes De Oca, who joined the Marine Corps with his twin brother Osmany a little over a year ago, was laid to rest Monday – ten days after he was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan.

The service for 20-old Lance Cpl. Montes De Oca was held at the Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, located in his hometown of North Arlington. The service, conducted in English and Spanish, drew hundreds of mourners.

Montes De Oca, who was born in the Dominican Republic, was killed Feb.10 in the Helmand province, just ten days after having been promoted.

Montes De Oca’s twin, and his older brother, Sandro Moreta, who also is a Marine, helped bring casket into the church, according to press reports.

Montes De Oca was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force that was based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Photos of the Marine on the Internet show a serious serviceman, stationed overseas or posing next to his brother, both proudly wearing their uniforms. But other photos show a young man at home stateside, enjoying himself with friends – clowning around with his buddies, relaxing with his girlfriend, sightseeing on Ellis Island.

At the service, according to the daily The Record, his twin Osmany, who spoke at the podium, said:  “I know you are here brother, that’s why I’m telling you that we will meet again.”

The pastor,  Rev. Msgr. William J. Fadrowski, commended the young Marine’s selflessness.

“He gave up the right to be with his own family and friends so that others could enjoy that right. He gave up the warmth of home, of friends, so that others could enjoy such things,” he said, according to The Record. “In Afghanistan, he made the supreme sacrifice and surrendered his own right to life in order to secure and protect the lives of his fellow Americans.”

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